With the haze literally in our faces, our skins needs extra TLC. While you’re busy putting on your N95 mask to shield yourself, have you neglected your precious skin?
According to Teri Tay, Dermalogica Singapore Education Manager, “Polluted air also means the increase of free radicals within the atmosphere. For every two hours of exposure to UV and free radicals, our skin depletes its reserve of Vitamin E by 25%.”
Haze, along with dust particles, contributes to pore-clogging, building up on impurities which results in blackheads, whiteheads and eventually pimples!
Here are three simple steps on what you can do, (and where you can find suitable products) to haze-proof your skin effectively.
Step 1: Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse
The wise adage “In this world, there are no ugly women, only lazy women” strikes true even today. Honestly, how many of us are guilty of sleeping with our makeup on?
Makeup, along with environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV rays, hormones, dead skin cells, excess sebum, bacteria and accumulation of skin stressors, contribute to accelerating aging of the skin.
Makeup cleansers, removers and exfoliators are your skin’s best bet to help remove impurities of the daily grime you’re exposed to.
Make-up Removers
Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover
The smooth jelly spreads on easily, removing even waterproof mascara, and cushions the skin from an otherwise harsh cleansing motion. With 40% moisturising essence, Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover nourishes and hydrates skin for a moist and dewy finish, without upsetting the skin’s natural moisture levels.
Get your FREE samples here!
For all skin types.
Retail price: $24.90/230ml
Where to buy: Guardian, Watsons and most supermarkets/hypermarts
Dermalogica Precleanse
Brimming with natural ingredients such as Olive, Apricot Kernel, Kukui Nut and Borage Seed, this lightweight fragrance-free fluid gently permeates and liquefies sebum and oil-based debris including makeup. Apply some Dermalogica Precleanse on your dry face and dab with water to emulsify and let the oil work its magic. Rinse off for a squeaky clean feel without tautness on your skin.
For all skin types.
Retail price: $83 for 150ml
Where to buy: Authorised Dermalogica skin treatment centres, AsterSpring and exclusive Dermalogica salons. For list of stockists, please visit www.dermalogica.com.sg
What are some of the favourite facial exfoliators and scrubs other mums are using? Read on to find out!
Exfoliators/Scrubs
Bio-essence Deep Exfoliating Gel with Royal Jelly and ATP
This exfoliating gel effectively yet gently removes blackheads, whiteheads and makeup to reveal softer, smoother skin. With dead skin cells out of the way, skincare absorbs faster and makeup glides on more easily. Formulated with Royal Jelly, ATP and Bio Energy Fluid, to combat dull and rough skin, there’s no guessing why this is one of the top favourite beauty products in Singapore!
For all skin types.
Retail price: $32.90/60g
Where to buy: Guardian, Watsons and most supermarkets/hypermarts
The Multi-tasking Cleanser
Garnier Pure Active 3in1 Wash Scrub Mask
The Garnier Pure Active 3in1 Wash Scrub Mask is sure to score with busy parents who have little time to care for themselves. This triple action time-saver boosts Salicylic Acid, Zinc, Smithsonite, Pumice Stone, White Clay to help combat excess sebum, clogged pores and blemishes. Use it in either of the three ways to keep a clear complexion.
1) Wash: Apply daily to wet face. Massage then rinse off with water.
2) Scrub: Apply daily, massaging in circular motions, concentrating on T-zone. Rinse off with water.
3) Mask: Apply to face 2 to 3 times a week, Allow to dry for 3 minutes. Rinse off with water. Avoid eye area.
For oily to combination skin types.
Retail price: $14.90/150ml
Where to buy: Guardian, Watsons and most supermarkets/hypermarts
Step 2: Feed your skin
It’s time to amp up your skin’s defense against the harsh haze. By feeding it with a daily dose of vitamins and minerals, you’re sure to regain a healthy complexion in no time!
Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough
Nourish skin to repair cells after their daily fight against free radical damages and environmental stress from the haze. Give hope to your skin and a regain bouncy, youthful complexion with a dose of Glutathione, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Sodium Hyaluronate. Apply Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough to your tired face and puffy eyes, to reduce unsightly eye bags, fine lines and wrinkles.
For all skin types.
Retail price: $65/29.6ml
Where to buy: Sephora and Philosophy boutiques at Ngee Ann City and Bugis
Innisfree Jeju Sparkling Mineral Essence
Step 3: Protect me, please!
Singapore’s sunshine comes all year round, so your must-have beauty product should come with UV protection. With extra pollutants in the air these days, make your UV care work harder by sending an army of guards to keep out the daily environmental aggressors that are charging at your face!
The secret to UV protection? Reapplication. It’s not about using the highest available SPF product, but slapping on sun care at least 20 minutes before heading out, and reapplying throughout the day, that’s crucial.
Lancaster Skin Therapy Day Shield UV-Pollution SPF30/PA+++
With a special blend of eight antioxidant extracts including Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, Bitter Orange Peel and Vitamin E – this lightweight cream forms a barrier to neutralise free radicals generated from urban pollution. Fortified with a broad-spectrum high-level UVA and UVB filters, Lancaster Skin Therapy Day Shield UV-Pollution SPF30/PA+++ absorbs surface UV radiation too.
For all skin types.
Retail price: $67/30ml
Where to buy: SephoraION, Tampines1 and VivoCity
Dr. Jart Ctrl-A Beauty Balm
Dr. Jart Ctrl-A Beauty Balm effectively conceals surface imperfections and helps prevent further breakouts. Formulated with clinical-grade active ingredients to create a refined complexion while inhibiting bacterial growth, it offers protection and healing to tackle skin concerns.
For sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Retail price: $42/40ml
Where to buy: Luxola, Sephora.com, Tangs
With the haze blanketing our faces these days, let’s take some time to scruff up and get those unsightly bits off our skins. Yes, it’s time to put your best face forward with these beauty products and give yourselves a deserving skin treat!
Mums and dads, what are some of your favourite skin care products to combat the haze? Do share with us!
